Magnetostrictive resonant energy converter

Abstract

A resonant energy conversion apparatus may utilize magnetostrictive properties of a toroidal magnet. Electrical current induces periodic, complementary magnetic fields around separate quadrants of a toroidal magnet. The periodic, complementary magnetic fields induce mechanical changes in the toroidal magnet due to magnetostriction, causing mechanical stress in the toroidal magnet. Energy is stored as mechanical stress, and later released as electrical current.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An energy conversion apparatus comprising:
 a toroidal magnet for storing energy as mechanical strain through magneto-mechanical resonance comprising at least four circumferentially magnetized regions having alternating handedness; 
 an electrically conductive input coil for inducing mechanical strain in the toroidal magnet, wrapped around a minor circumference of the toroidal magnet; and 
 one or more electrically conductive output coils for conducting electrical current induced by oscillations in the toroidal magnet, wrapped around the minor circumference of the toroidal magnet. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the toroidal magnet is comprised of a magnetostrictive, ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the toroidal magnet is comprised of an alloy containing cobalt, iron and vanadium. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the toroidal magnet is comprised of an alloy containing cobalt, iron and chromium. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the toroidal magnetic is comprised of an alloy containing nickel and iron. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the toroidal magnetic is comprised of an alloy containing nickel, iron, chromium and molybdenum. 
     
     
       7. A method of converting energy comprising:
 generating a magnetic field with an axial solenoid coil around a toroidal magnet comprising four circumferentially magnetized regions of alternating handedness; 
 inducing oscillating mechanical strain in the toroidal magnet; and 
 converting energy from an electromagnetic field induced by oscillating mechanical strain in the toroidal magnet into electrical current with the axial solenoid coil.